Print technologies have evolved much since the early days of the printing press. In the modern era, there are multiple techniques available. Each has their own applications and features. Foil printing, digital printing, and lithography are three of the most popular options. What we want to do is discuss how the three differ in detail. Then, if you want to arrange foiling services, you can trust us.
Foil printing
Firstly, we have a technique that consists of applying foil to an exterior. It’s frequently used on packaging, business cards, and invitations. Foil rolls consist of thin sheets of synthetic or metal materials. The foil gets transferred onto the surface using pressure and/or heat.
For the technique to work, you need a print plate. You create this by etching your artwork or logo into a metal plate. High quality plates can do thousands of items before the detail starts to wear away, so they are a great investment. Hot foiling is regularly used in foil printing. It calls for the use of a heated die or plate to move the foil onto the exterior.
Foil design options are considerable, as there are many finishes and colours available. Metallic foils for instance come with a shiny finish and have a change in gradient colour under changing light conditions. Matte foils offer a solid fill effect. There is also a minor shine, but the colours remain the same in all conditions. Gloss foils come with a glossy print effect and possess a high shine. They do maintain their colour though. Satin foils come with shiny print effects with subtle metallic quality. Lustre foils possess a soft sheer print effect.
Foil printing brings a luxury finish to your items with alluring effects and designs. It works for many products too, including ribbon, bags, and boxes. This technique is best suited for certain applications where you want to get an impressive finish. You can use foil printing on branding and marketing materials, packaging, and invitations and stationary. Talk to us if you need stellar foiling services.
Digital printing
Most people will be familiar with digital printing; it uses laser or inkjet printers to produce first rate prints. The opaque ink also offers considerable coverage on a host of materials.
This printing is a popular practice thanks to its quick turnaround time and versatility. So, it works well for small runs. Additionally, it allows for on-demand printing.
At the same time, digital printing still enables customisation like variable data printing. It’s possible to produce high quality prints with fine details and vibrant colours. You can also use this method for short print runs, personalisation, and even for one-off samples.
Lithography
Finally, we have a traditional printing method that consists of using ink and plates to move images onto paper or other exteriors. Lithography is famous for its durability and high quality. You’ll often see it used in large-scale printing projects.
Prints made here are durable and high in quality, with vibrant colours and fine details. Litho has the capacity to accurately reproduce complex images and is also viable for many print sizes. It provides reliable, consistent results.
We know what we’re doing with foiling services
At Foiling Services, we have years of experience and a massive pool of skills behind us. As such, we’re the top choice to help you with all your foil needs. Our team has a deep understanding of the process and knows what steps to take to deliver the finest results.
So, if you’d like to use our foiling services, feel free to get in touch. We can even offer advice if you are unsure of anything, including adding foil to different materials.